What to Consider When Building a Fire Pit
Fire pits are a great addition to nearly any yard in BC as they offer a great place to gather with guests or relax on your own after a long day. While wooden fire pits are prohibited in BC, natural gas fire pits are permitted for most properties. If you are looking to install a fire pit in your yard, it can be difficult to know where to begin. That is why the landscape construction experts at Jovak Landscape & Design have compiled some information to help you know what to consider when building a fire pit. Understanding these considerations will help you determine if this project is something you can handle on your own or if it is a task that is best left to a professional.
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3 Crucial Considerations for Fire Pits
To ensure an optimal balance of comfort, appeal, and safety, it is important to consider the following elements when designing a fire pit for your property:
1. The Location
The most important element to consider when creating a design for a fire pit is the location it will be installed in. While it may be tempting to install your fire pit on a patio or another area that is close to your home, this is often unsafe. To ensure optimal safety and minimize the risk of fire hazards, you will need to choose a location that is at least 10 ft away from your home, other buildings, fences, trees, and large plants. This location should also be completely level as fire pits should not be constructed on slopes. If you cannot locate a space that meets these requirements, your yard may not be large enough for a stationary fire pit and you may need to consider a portable alternative.
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2. Materials
Once you have chosen a safe location for your fire pit, you can start to consider the materials it will be constructed from. Bricks, concrete, and various stones are all examples of safe and appealing materials that can be used to construct your fire pit. No part of your fire pit should be constructed with flammable materials (wood) and non-porous materials that can hold water (river rocks) as the former can be set on fire and the latter can trap steam and cause an explosion.
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3. Size and Height
While your fire pit should be wide and tall enough to make a statement and stand out, it should never be so large that it disrupts the flow of your yard or poses a hazard to nearby structures. Aim for a size that is large enough to accommodate multiple people while maintaining an intimate setting and optimal fire safety. In most cases, a pit that is between 36 to 44 inches wide and 16 to 20 inches tall will deliver a combination of appeal and safety.
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To learn more about fire pits and other features that you may wish to include in your landscaping project, get in touch with the team at Jovak Landscape & Design. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to discuss the details of your project.